The "Rules of Gunfighting" aren't an official USMC doctrine, but rather a collection of tactical observations and principles gleaned from real-world combat experiences. These aren't rigid rules, but adaptable guidelines emphasizing survival and effectiveness in close-quarters combat (CQB) and dynamic engagements. Understanding these principles can enhance situational awareness and decision-making in high-stress environments, even outside a military context.
While not officially codified, these principles represent widely accepted best practices within the military and law enforcement communities. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview, analyzing each point for better understanding.
Key Principles of the USMC Rules of Gunfighting
These principles often appear in slightly varying forms, but the core tenets remain consistent:
1. Have a Plan: Before engaging, even in a seemingly spontaneous encounter, having a basic plan significantly increases your chances of success. This involves assessing the situation, identifying potential threats, and formulating a course of action, even if it's a simple "move to cover, return fire." Improvisation is key, but a starting point is crucial.
2. Bring Enough Gun: This isn't about carrying the biggest weapon possible, but selecting the appropriate tool for the job. Consider the anticipated engagement range, the environment, and the type of threat. A larger caliber handgun might be preferable in a CQB scenario over a smaller pistol. This relates to ammunition capacity and firepower as well.
3. Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires (and Your Own Death): Personal responsibility is paramount. This highlights the importance of self-reliance, discipline, and constant situational awareness. Failing to maintain these can lead to disastrous consequences.
4. Cover and Concealment: Understanding the difference is life-saving. Cover stops bullets, while concealment simply hides you from view. Prioritize cover whenever possible, but recognize the limitations and use concealment strategically.
5. Simple is Better: Complicated plans often fail under pressure. Keep your tactics simple, straightforward, and easily executed, especially in chaotic situations. Effective execution of a basic plan is far better than a poorly executed complex one.
6. Accuracy is Relative: In a gunfight, the priority is often putting rounds downrange to neutralize the threat quickly. While precise shots are ideal, rapid, effective fire is more important than perfect accuracy, especially when under fire.
7. Have a Plan to Kill Everyone You Meet: This is often misunderstood. It emphasizes the need to decisively neutralize any threat. Hesitation can be fatal. The focus is on eliminating the threat, not necessarily killing, but neutralizing the capability to cause harm.
8. Be Polite. Be Professional. But Have a Plan to Kill Everyone You Meet: This adds a layer of situational awareness and de-escalation. While lethal force is a last resort, being prepared for it is vital. Professionalism and courtesy do not preclude decisive action when necessary.
9. Always Be Ready to Fight: Maintaining a high level of readiness is crucial. This involves physical and mental preparedness, weapon proficiency, and constant situational awareness. Complacency can cost your life.
10. Expect to Win: Maintaining a positive, aggressive mindset is key to survival. This involves confidence in your training, your equipment, and your ability to execute your plan.
Conclusion: Adaptability and Continuous Learning
The USMC Rules of Gunfighting aren't a set of unbreakable laws, but practical guidelines born from harsh realities. Their value lies in their adaptability and emphasis on situational awareness, decisive action, and the importance of continuous learning and training. They represent a philosophy emphasizing preparedness and the prioritization of survival in dynamic, potentially lethal encounters. These principles transcend military applications and offer valuable lessons for anyone concerned with personal safety and self-defense.
